Adjustable table frame construction

ABSTRACT

A metal table frame construction is provided which may be adjusted by cutting to vary the spacing between supporting legs or between a leg and a sidewall so that the frame will fit flush in a recess or against an adjacent wall, case, sink, etc. The adjustment is easily accomplished on site, and the cut can be made at any location within the continuous adjustment range.

United States Patent inventors Harry N. Grow Two Rivers; David F. l-luempiner, Kewaunee; Paul A.

Reich, Two Rivers, all of Wis.

Appl. No. 15,179

Filed Feb. 27, 1970 Patented Oct. 19, 1971 Assignee American Hospital Supply Corporation Evanston, Ill.

ADJUSTABLE TABLE FRAME CONSTRUCTION 7 Claims, 8 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl. 108/153,

248/188 Int. Cl. A47b 3/06 Field oiSearch 108/153;

248/1881, 161, 164, 423, 188; 287/58 R, 58 CT References Cited UN lTED STATES PATENTS 3,082,712 3/1963 Trautmann et al. l08/l53 3,l87,693 6/1965 Hamilton et al. 248/188 X Primary Examiner-JamesC. Mitchell Attorney- Dawson, Tilton, Fallon & Lungmus ABSTRACT: A metal table frame construction is provided which may be adjusted by cutting to vary the spacing between supporting legs or between a leg and a sidewall so that the frame will fit flush in a recess or against an adjacent wall, case, sink, etc. The adjustment is easily accomplished on site, and the cut can be made at any location within the continuous adjustment range.

PATENIEDutT 1e ISTI 3,613,606 sum 2 [IF 2 ADJUSTABLE TABLE FRAME CONSTRUCTION BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY The present invention relates to a construction for a table frame; and more particularly it relates to a table frame construction which is adjustable so that the frame and the top heldby it may fit flush into recess, as between two sidewalls. Further, the inventive construction is particularly suited so that the adjustment may be made on site without the need to build tables of special sizes at the factory. In a preferred embodiment up to 4 inches can be removed from each end of the longitudinal rail, thus giving a total of 8 inches of adjustment which can be effected at the installation. The inventive construction therefore permits a manufacturer to stock tables of standard lengths, and it thereby reduces the number of special size tables that heretofore were constructed at the factory.

The need for a field-adjustable table frame is brought about by the normal variations in building dimensions. For example, if a laboratory layout calls for a long, continuous wall table installation wherein the table extends from one wall to another,

wall on the opposite side of the room, the actual dimensions between the two walls will vary a few inches from the nominal values specified on architect's drawings. Equipment manufacturers are currently forced to wait until the building is erected. Then the actual building dimensions are measured, and a special table top and frame are constructed at the factory in accordance with these measurements and shipped to the site.

Suggestions have been made for making dimensional changes in table frames, although no systempresently enjoys widespread commercial usage. Such systems have either provided two parts with a series of openings with the adjustment being made until openings are in register to receive a bolt or they have provided a telescoping rail construction. In the former, the adjustment (i.e. shortening) is made in discrete intervals. If the intervals are spaced at small distances (as required for very close fits) the rail structure becomes weakened. Although the telescoping rail is continuously adjustable, it is difficult to adapt these constructions for receiving a drawer or the like. Further, and of particular importance in those instances wherein the counter or table top is in a medical laboratory or other sterile environment, the closefitting engaging surfaces in the telescoping arrangement prevent access for cleaning and they thus collect dirt and dust.

The adjustable table frame of the present invention includes a metal rail which extends between two adjacent legs or between a support leg and a wall or cabinet or the like. The rail is formed into a channel with an open back defined by longitudinally extending upper and lower rear flanges. The sides of the rail are open for receiving a bracket which is secured either to a wall or to a supporting leg. At each end of each of the rear flanges of the rail there are a pair of elongated slots; and the slots in the upper rear flange are staggered or offset from the corresponding slots in the lower rear flange of the rail.

The bracket received in the open end of the rail is provided with four holes arranged with a pair of upper holes aligned with the slots in the upper rear flange of the rail when it is assem bled on the bracket, and a pair of lower apertures aligned with the slots at the lower rear flange of the rail. The rail is secured to the bracket by means of nuts and bolts which fit through the slot and are received in diagonally opposite ones of the aperatures in the bracket. With this construction, the length of the rail may be adjusted to an exact dimension by sawing the rail at any location in the adjustment range, and it will be insured that at least one bolt at each bracket will be held by a complete slot to prevent dislodgement from its associated bracket. The opposite end of the rail permits a similar adjustment. Thus, the improved construction permits adjustment over a limited but continuous range, and this adjustment may be made on site.

Further, the improved construction reduces the number of standard size frames which a manufacturer need stock and eliminates the need for specially built table frames except under unusual circumstances. This, in turn, reduces the cost of the table or counter while providing the appearance of a custom installation.

The construction also has significant advantages over telescoping sections in that it is more easily cleaned, and it minimizes places for the collection of dirt on the face of the table frame (as is especially important in hospital or nursing home installations). Further, it is stronger and simplifies the incorporation of drawers into the table frame.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to persons skilled in the art from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments accompanied by the attached drawing wherein identical reference numerals will refer to like parts in the various views.

THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view, of a wall-to-wall table or counter construction for which the present invention is particularly suited;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the inventive table frame with parts broken away for shortening;

FIG. 3 is a. vertical cross-sectional view taken through the sight line 3-3 .of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken through the sight line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the center leg of the table of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a rear side perspective view illustrating the construction of the inventive assembly with parts exploded;

FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the adjustable rail with the center portion broken way; and

FIG. 8- is an upper perspective view of a corner post with mounting brackets arranged at right angles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring first to FIG. I, the table is generally designated by reference numeral 10, and in the illustrated embodiment it isrequired that the table fitzbetween two opposing sidewalls 11., and 12. It is, of course, desirable that the table be flush withv the walls 11 and 12, and it has been found that a good flush fit cannot be obtained from an architect's print or drawing of the. building. Rather, it has been found that a variation of a few inches will usually be apparent. Hence, in the past, it has been. the practice to wait until the building is constructed, then visit the site in order to obtain more exact measurements after which the table is specially built at the manufacturer's location and then shipped to the site.

Tables or counters which fit snugly in a recess find widespread use in schools, medical and clinical laboratories, nursing homes, cafeterias, etc. In most installations, it is desired therefore that the table or counter be readily cleanable and that it also be adapted for incorporation of drawers. The drawer constructions may be conventional, and form no part of the present invention except for the desirability of having the table frame adaptable to receive the drawers. Although the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 shows the table 10 extending between sidewalls, it will be appreciated that the recess may be provide by adjacent cabinets, sinks, or the like.

Turning then to the table, it includes a top 13, three supporting vertical front legs or posts designated l4, l5 and 16 respectively and three supporting hind legs designated respectively l7, l8 and 19. The table frame also includes a front rail which, in this embodiment, is comprised of two sections designated 20 and 21, each adapted to receive a drawer, designated respectively 22 and 23. The table frame includes similar rear rail sections (not shown) and side or transverse rails, only one of which is shown and designated by reference numeral 25.

Turning now to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the top 13 overhangs the two side legs 14 and 16. However, this overhang may be eliminated so that the side legs extend flush with the walls 11 and 12. Further, the side legs 14 and 16 may be replaced, if desired, by a mounting racket similar to the ones described below but adapted to be attached directly to the wall.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, a mounting bracket generally denoted 27 is welded to the side of the leg 14, and a similar bracket 28 is welded to the side of the leg 16 near the top thereof.

The bracket 27, as seen in FIG. 4, as viewed in horizontal cross section has the shape of an L; and it includes a first section 30 which lies flush with the side of the leg 14 and is welded thereto, and an outwardly extending portion or plate 31 formed at right angles with the welded section 30. The racket plate 31 is provided with four clearance holes designated respectively 32, 33, 34 and 35. The holes 32-35 have their centers arranged in a rectangle and, for reasons explained below, only two of these holes receive bolts for any installation. The two holes receiving the bolts are located at diagonally opposite comers of the rectangle formed by the centers of the holes; in the illustration of FIG. 2 the bolt receiving holes are designated 33 and 34.

The rail 20 is formed into a channel as best seen in FIG. 3 having a continuous face portion 38, upper and lower rearwardly extending portions 39 and 40, and inwardly depending upper and lower rear flanges 41 and 42, The rear flanges 41 and 42 in the illustrated embodiment extend longitudinally of the entire length of the rail 20. The sides of the rail 20 are open to receive at the left side the plate 31 of the bracket 27 and, at its right side, a similar plate on a bracket 43 attached to the center post 15 (see FIG.

The rail 21 is similar in construction to the rail 20. That is, it is formed into a channel having an open back portion defined by longitudinally extending upper and lower rear flanges designated 45 and 46 respectively in FIGS. 6 and 7 so that the sides may be assembled to brackets similar to the bracket 27 and designated respectively 48 and 49. The right side of the rail 21 receives the bracket 48 which is welded to the leg 16 and the left side of the rail 21 receives the bracket 49 which is similarly welded to the center leg 15.

Turning then to FIGS. 6 and 7, the bracket 48 includes a plate 59 in which are formed apertures 60, 61,. 62, and 63, similar to the previously described apertures 3235 in the plate 31 of bracket27.

At the end of the rear upper flange 45 of the rail 21 there are formed two elongated slots designated 64 and 65. The slots 64 and 65 are elongated in the direction of extension of the flange 45.

Two similar slots 66 and 67 are formed in the lower rear flange 46; however, the slots 66 and 67 are staggered or offset with respect to the upper slots 64 and 65. The lower slots are formed more toward the center of the table although the spacing between the two slots is the same, and persons skilled in the art will realize that the inventive principle may be practiced with the lower slots being closer than the upper slots to the corner post 16.

For example, as seen in FIG. 7, the end of the rail 21 which is supported by the center leg as a pair of slots 68 and 69 formed in the upper rear flange and a pair of slots 70 and 71 formed in the lower rear flange with the lower slots 70 and 71 being nearer the center post 15. The rail 21 is secured to the bracket 48 by means of two bolts designated 73 and 74 with associated lock washers 75 and 76 and nuts 77 and 78. The bolt 73 passes through one of the lower slots 66 or 67 and the bolt passes through one of the upper slots 64 or 65. The bolts are received in diagonally opposite ones of the clearance apertures 60-63 of the plate 59 of bracket 48. That is, if the rail 21 need not be shortened at all at this end, the bolt 74 may pass through the upper slot 64 and pass through the hole 69 of the plate 59 while the bolt 73 passes through the slot 66 and aperture 63 of the plate 59. The invention contemplates that at least one of the bolts securing the rail to an associated mounting bracket pass through a slot which is closed (i.e. not cut) so that the rail cannot be dislodged from the bracket; however, in some cases both bolts will pass through uncut slots.

In one embodiment, the rails are formed from l6-gauge sheet metal. The overall height of the rails is about 4% inches, and the height of the rear flanges is five-eighths inch.'The height of the slots may then be nine thirty-seconds inch, and the width of the slots between centers of the end curvatures is Hi inches. The outermost slot 64 (Le. relative tov the center of the rail) has the center of its outer curvature spaced thirty-one thirty-seconds inch inward from the edge of the rail. The separation between the centers of end curvatures of adjacent slots is thirty-one thirty-seconds inch; and the slots of the staggered pair are offset by l inch. The separation between centers of each pair of holes in the mounting bracket (for exam ple, the holes 60 and 61) is 1 inch and these holes have a diameter of nine thirty-seconds inch. The bracket itself is formed of l l-gauge sheet metal.

Referring now to FIG. 7 the working of the invention will be described. The rail 21 may be shortened (i.e. up to point at which the cut is about three-eighths inch outward from the edge of the slot 66) with the mounting bolts passing through the two outer slots and bracket holes 60 and 63 as described above. Thus is indicated by the line C in FIG. 7. However, if it is desired to further shorten the rail between that location and up to a line located at 2 9/16 inches from the edge thereof (line C), the bolts are received in the other two diagonally opposite bracket apertures 61 and 62 and they pass respectively through the slots 65 and 66 in the rail. It will be observed that the slot 65 is uncut at this length to prevent dislodgment of the rail. If the shortening must be even further so that the cut is located anywhere between 2 9/ l 6 and 4 inches from the edge, the location of the bolts is again reversed so that they are received in the bracket apertures 60 and 63 and the rail slots 65 and 67. Although only two slots are shown in each of the sides of the rear flanges, it will be appreciated that more slots may be formed if desired as long as the same pattern is followed. However, with the two slots illustrated, it has been found for a typical construction, that a shortening at each end of up to 4 inches can easily be accomplished. This yields an overall capability of shortening the rail up to 8 inches. Further, the bracket apertures could be tapped to threadedly receive the bolts rather than being clearance holes as disclosed.

It will be appreciated now that the cuts may be made at any location within the adjustment range (namely, anywhere within 4 inches from the edge of the rail); and the adjustment range is continuous to provide a more accurate fit within the range.

For those installations wherein the depth of the counter is fixed, the side rail assemblies need not be adjustable. In these cases, the rail 25 is welded between and directly to the legs 14 and 17. However, it will be adjustable in a manner similar to that described above, in which case a corner post as illustrated in FIG. 8 is included. The corner post here is designated by reference numeral 80, and it includes a first bracket 81 having an apertured plate 82 and a second bracket 83 having an apertured plate 84. The apertured plates 82 and 84 are formed at right angles to receive respectively front or rear rail and a side or transverse rail.

With the inventive construction, as illustrated by the abovedescribed preferred embodiment, we have been able to provide an adjustable metal frame which may be cut over a limited but continuous range to the exact dimensions of a.

recess. The adjustment is simply effected on site, and the construction is easily cleaned and adapted to receive drawers. Persons skilled in the art will be able to modify certain parts of the structure described and illustrated herein and to substitute equivalent elements for those which have been shown while continuing to practice the invention; and it is, therefore, intended that all such modifications and substitutions be covered as they are embraced within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. In a table frame, the combination of bracket secured to support means and having a plate extending away from the location of attachment to said support means and defining at least a pair of upper spaced holes and a pair of lower spaced holes, and an elongated metal rail defining an end for attaching to said bracket and including longitudinally extending upper and lower rear flanges, said upper flange defining at least a first pair of slots elongated in the longitudinal direction of said rail and spaced from each other in said direction, said lower flange defining at least a second pair of slots elongated in the longitudinal direction of said rail and spaced from each other in said direction, said first pair and said second pairs of slots being offset with respect to each other in the direction of elongation of said rail whereby the end of said rail may be cut over a continuous range and said rail may be secured to said bracket by a pair of bolts received in diagonally opposite ones of said holes and at least the innermost of said bolts passes through an uncut slot.

2. The combination of claim 1 further comprising vertical support leg providing said support means and wherein the centers of the holes of said bracket define a rectangle and said rail defines a center channel for fitting over associated mounting brackets.

3. The combination of claim 1 further comprising a second bracket secured to support means and having a plate extending generally in the plane of said plate of said first bracket and having at least a pair of upper holes and a pair of lower holes, and wherein said upper and lower flanges of said rail extend cross the longitudinal length thereof and wherein said upper flange defines a third pair of slots elongated in the longitudinal direction of said rail and spaced from each' other in said direction and located at opposite end of said flange from said first pair of slots, said lower flange further defining a fourth pair of slots elongated in the longitudinal direction of said rail and spaced from each other in said direction and located at the opposite edge of said lower flange from said second pair of slots, said third and fourth pairs of slots being horizontally'offset with respect to each other whereby this end of said rail may be shortened over a continuous range and secure to said second bracket by bolt means with at least one bolt passing through an uncut slot.

4. In combination with the structure of claim 1, a center support leg comprising a generally vertical table leg, second and third side brackets secured to said center leg and adapted to be inserted into different rails, each of said second and third brackets including side plates extending in a general planar direction at opposite sides of said center leg, each plate further defining a pair of upper holes and a pair of lower holes adapted to be secured to said rail by means of bits passing through said slots in said rails, the centers of said holes defining a rectangle.

5. The structure of claim 1 wherein the center of said rail is open substantially throughout the entire length thereof whereby said rail is adapted to receive a corresponding mounting plate of a support bracket at each end.

6. In a table frame, the combination of a generally vertical support leg, a bracket having a first portion welded to said leg and a plate at right angles from said first portion and extending away from said legs, said plate defining a pair of upper holes and pair of lower holes, the centers of said holes defining a rectangle; an elongated metal rail formed from a piece of sheet metal into a channel shape with integral upper and lower rear flanges extending substantially the entire length of said rail and having an open center for fitting over said plate of said bracket, said upper rear flange of said rail defining a first pair of elongated slots spaced from each other in the direction of elongation of said rail, said lower flange defining a second pair of elongated slots spaced from each other in a position of elongation of said rail, said first pair and said second pair of slots being staggered with respect to each other whereby the end of said rail which receives said bracket may be cut over an ad- 'ustment range for shortening the same; and air of bolt means or passing respectively through one of sar first pair of slots and one of said second pair of slots and received in diagonally opposite ones of said holes in said bracket for securing said rail to said bracket, at least one of said bolts passing through an uncut slot for all shortenings of said rail within said adjustment range.

7. In a table frame, the combination of a vertical support leg including an outwardly extending plate member having a plurality of upper holes in horizontal alignment and a plurality of lower holes in horizontal alignment; a metal rail defining a plurality of horizontally aligned upper slots adjacent one end of sail rail and a plurality of horizontally aligned lower slots offset from said upper slots whereby said rail may be cut over a continuous range from said one end to a location outboard of the innermost slot and one of said upper slots will align with one of said upper holes and one of said lower slots will align with one of said lower holes offset with respect to the said one of said upper holes; and a pair of fastening means for securing said rail to said bracket, a first fastening means passing through said aligned set of upper slot and upper hole and second bolt passing through an aligned set of lower slot and lower hole offset from said first aligned set. 

1. In a table frame, the combination of bracket secured to support means and having a plate extending away from the location of attachment to said support means and defining at least a pair of upper spaced holes and a pair of lower spaced holes, and an elongated metal rail defining an end for attaching to said bracket and including longitudinally extending upper and lower rear flanges, said upper flange defining at least a first pair of slots elongated in the longitudinal direction of said rail and spaced from each other in said direction, said lower flange defining at least a second pair of slots elongated in the longitudinal direction of said rail and spaced from each other in said direction, said first pair and said second pairs of slots being offset with respect to each other in the direction of elongation of said rail whereby the end of said rail may be cut over a continuous range and said rail may be secured to said bracket by a pair of bolts received in diagonally opposite ones of said holes and at least the innermost of said bolts passes through an uncut slot.
 2. The combination of claim 1 further comprising vertical support leg providing said support means and wherein the centers of the holes of said bracket define a rectangle and said rail defines a center channel for fitting over associated mounting brackets.
 3. The combination of claim 1 further comprising a second bracket secured to support means and having a plate extending generally in the plane of said plate of said first bracket and having at least a pair of upper holes and a pair of lower holes, and wherein said upper and lower flanges of said rail extend cross the longitudinal length thereof and wherein said upper flange defines a third pair of slots elongated in the longitudinal direction of said rail and spaced from each other in said direction and located at opposite end of said flange from said first pair of slots, said lower flange further defining a fourth pair of slots elongated in the longitudinal direction of said rail and spaced from each other in said direction and located at the opposite edge of said lower flange from said second pair of slots, said third and fourth pairs of slots being horizontally offset with respect to each other whereby this end of said rail may be shortened over a continuous range and secure to said second bracket by bolt means with at least one bolt passing through an uncut slot.
 4. In combination with the structure of Claim 1, a center support leg comprising a generally vertical table leg, second and third side brackets secured to said center leg and adapted to be inserted into different rails, each of said second and third brackets including side plates extending in a general planar direction at opposite sides of said center leg, each plate further defining a pair of upper holes and a pair of lower holes adapted to be secured to said rail by means of bits passing through said slots in said rails, the centers of said holes defining a rectangle.
 5. The structure of claim 1 wherein the center of said rail is open substantially throughout the entire length thereof whereby said rail is adapted to receive a corresponding mounting plate of a support bracket at each end.
 6. In a table frame, the combination of a generally vertical support leg, a bracket having a first portion welded to said leg and a plate at right angles from said first portion and extending away from said legs, said plate defining a pair of upper holes and pair of lower holes, the centers of said holes defining a rectangle; an elongated metal rail formed from a piece of sheet metal into a channel shape with integral upper and lower rear flanges extending substantially the entire length of said rail and having an open center for fitting over said plate of said bracket, said upper rear flange of said rail defining a first pair of elongated slots spaced from each other in the direction of elongation of said rail, said lower flange defining a second pair of elongated slots spaced from each other in a position of elongation of said rail, said first pair and said second pair of slots being staggered with respect to each other whereby the end of said rail which receives said bracket may be cut over an adjustment range for shortening the same; and pair of bolt means for passing respectively through one of said first pair of slots and one of said second pair of slots and received in diagonally opposite ones of said holes in said bracket for securing said rail to said bracket, at least one of said bolts passing through an uncut slot for all shortenings of said rail within said adjustment range.
 7. In a table frame, the combination of a vertical support leg including an outwardly extending plate member having a plurality of upper holes in horizontal alignment and a plurality of lower holes in horizontal alignment; a metal rail defining a plurality of horizontally aligned upper slots adjacent one end of sail rail and a plurality of horizontally aligned lower slots offset from said upper slots whereby said rail may be cut over a continuous range from said one end to a location outboard of the innermost slot and one of said upper slots will align with one of said upper holes and one of said lower slots will align with one of said lower holes offset with respect to the said one of said upper holes; and a pair of fastening means for securing said rail to said bracket, a first fastening means passing through said aligned set of upper slot and upper hole and second bolt passing through an aligned set of lower slot and lower hole offset from said first aligned set. 